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Police Scotland issued an unprecedented defence yesterday of its policy on arming officers after complaints about the practice from politicians.

Pressure has been growing on Sir Stephen House, the chief constable, and Kenny MacAskill, the justice secretary, since the appearance of reports and pictures of police carrying guns on routine business.

Opposition politicians have said that the practice is risking the relationship of trust between the force and the people of Scotland. Sir Menzies Campbell, QC, the former Liberal Democrat leader, criticised Scottish government ministers for acquiescing.

Yesterday, Police Scotland addressed the issue head-on in a lengthy statement written by